News Summary
Chris Hayes, a recent graduate from the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, has received the Best Performance by an Actor award at the Jimmy Awards for his role as Gaston in ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ He, along with fellow nominee Fabiola Caraballo Quijada, who won Best Performance by an Actress for ‘Big Fish,’ both received scholarships. The event recognizes the talents of high school performers nationwide and emphasizes the importance of musical theatre education, alongside honoring dedicated educators like Elena Ferrante-Martin.
Las Vegas Actor Recognized at 2025 Jimmy Awards
Las Vegas Academy of the Arts’ recent graduate Chris Hayes won the prestigious award for Best Performance by an Actor at the 16th Annual Jimmy Awards, held at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City on June 23, 2025. Hayes was honored for his portrayal of Gaston in the beloved musical “Beauty and the Beast.” Along with his award, he received a scholarship of $25,000 to further his educational pursuits.
In addition to Hayes, Fabiola Caraballo Quijada won the Best Performance by an Actress award for her compelling role as Sandra Bloom in “Big Fish.” Quijada also received a $25,000 scholarship for her achievements. The event showcased exceptional talent from across the nation, with 110 nominees selected from over 55 regional high school musical theatre programs.
The annual awards ceremony included a series of preparatory events for nominees, featuring private coaching, master classes, and rehearsals with industry professionals. The Jimmy Awards, also known as the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, aim to promote the value of musical theatre education and reward students and educators alike.
Recognition for Local Educator
In a nod to the dedicated individuals guiding young talent, Elena Ferrante-Martin from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas was honored with the 2025 Inspiring Educator Award. Each year, the Jimmy Awards celebrates two educators who have made a significant impact in the field of musical theatre education. Ferrante-Martin’s achievements highlight the vital role educators play in nurturing the next generation of performers.
A Celebration of Musical Theatre
The Jimmy Awards featured performances from the nominees, showcasing their skills and dedication to the art form. Participants underwent a theatre intensive in New York City where they received training from established Broadway professionals. Esteemed judges, including industry experts and Tony Award-winning producers, evaluated the students based on their performances.
The event, hosted by Tony nominee Josh Groban, emphasized the theme of dreams and the immigrant experience, which resonated throughout the acceptance speeches of the awardees. This year’s awards ceremony distributed several other honors, including Outstanding Performance in Ensemble Awards, a Best Dancer Award, and numerous awards of $2,500 across various categories.
Significance of the Jimmy Awards
Since its inception in 2009, the Jimmy Awards have facilitated over $6 million in scholarships, empowering high school students involved in musical theatre. This initiative plays an essential role in advocating for and elevating the profile of musical theatre programs in schools across the country. Participants are chosen from a pool of over 150,000 students involved in school theatre productions nationally, showcasing the incredible talent present in high schools.
The achievements of past Jimmy Awards participants have paved the way for numerous successful careers on Broadway, further solidifying the program’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing young talent in the performing arts.
The celebration of musical theatre at the Jimmy Awards not only acknowledges the hard work of students but also highlights the dedication of educators who inspire and guide them in their pursuit of excellence.
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Additional Resources
- Playbill: Fabiola Caraballo Quijada and Chris Hayes Win at the 2025 Jimmy Awards
- Wikipedia: Jimmy Awards
- Broadway World: How to Watch the 2025 Jimmy Awards
- Google Search: Jimmy Awards 2025
- Broadway.com: 2025 Jimmy Awards Nominees Announced
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Musical Theatre
- ABC7: 2025 Jimmy Awards at Minskoff Theatre
- Google News: Jimmy Awards
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
